IN Shaler Area Summer 2026 | Page 23

Shaler Area School District Earns Great Pennsylvania School Recognition

Shaler Area School District has been officially recognized as a Great Pennsylvania School by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association( PSBA) in partnership with Great PA Schools— a distinction that places the district among an elite group of schools celebrated for excellence across the Commonwealth. The Great Pennsylvania Schools recognition is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding commitment to student achievement, effective governance, and strong community engagement. It reflects not only the academic outcomes students are reaching, but the culture, leadership, and collaborative spirit that make those outcomes possible.

This recognition also reflects the depth of our commitment to educating the whole child. From expanding career readiness opportunities and strengthening academic supports, to investing in student well-being, safety, and inclusive learning environments, our work continues to position Shaler Area as a leader in innovation and excellence. Initiatives such as our K – 12 comprehensive approach to student supports, continued growth in arts and extracurricular programming, and our focus on building positive school culture through PBIS reflect a district-wide effort to create meaningful and engaging experiences for every student.

Dr. Bryan O’ Black, Superintendent of Schools, shared,“ This recognition is not the result of one initiative or one group— it is the collective impact of a community deeply committed to excellence in education. I am incredibly proud of the work happening across Shaler Area and grateful for each of our teachers, staff, and board members.”

Centegix Crisis Alert System Brings Additional Safety Tools to Shaler Area Schools haler area school district SHALER AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS

Recently the School Board of Directors approved adoption of the Centegix Crisis Alert System in all primary schools, Shaler Area Middle School, and Shaler Area High School. The system, which will be implemented at the middle and high school in the 26 – 27 school year and the following year at the primary schools, empowers teachers in situations as they arrive with targeted, immediate action.

Centegix places beacons in every room which can be activated by school personnel through badges. Once triggered, the beacon sends a geo-located notification to the response team, which includes the principal, assistant principals, dean of students, school nurse, and school resource officers. Dr. Brian Brown, Assistant Superintendent, explains,“ This could be a student having a medical emergency, a special needs student who needs additional support, a conflict between students, or an active threat.” Previously, teachers would have to call the office, sometimes requiring walking to the nearest phone. The response with Centegix can be immediate and coordinated.

The system is being completely underwritten by a grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency( PCCD) grant with no cost to the general fund, reflective of the district’ s commitment to secure resources to support students while being fiscally responsible.

The board also approved adding an Opengate weapons detection system with PCCD funds to Shaler Area Middle School to allow streamlined screening through multiple entrances. Dr. Brown says that evaluations to implement the Opengate metal detectors and Centegix has resulted in more comprehensive security protocols for the school that keep students safe. Dr. Brown notes,“ Centegix is a layer of additional security in our buildings. It gives individuals a tool necessary to address an incident as quickly as possible. Student safety is always our utmost priority.”

SHALER AREA ❘ SUMMER 2026 21